Paleopathology is the study of ancient diseases in humans and animals. The Paleopathology Association was formed in 1973 by U.S. and Canadian scientists. Today, the PPA is a global community composed of researchers and students with backgrounds in physical anthropology, archaeology,medicine, biology, and zoology. Membership is open to all who are interested and dedicated to sharing information, ideas and resources that help us understand health and disease in the past.

In view of recent developments regarding the visa policy of the United States, the board of directors of the Paleopathology Association have released the following statement:

The Paleopathology Association is an international organisation that aims to improve our understanding of disease and health throughout human history. This gives a global perspective as to how disease has shaped the development of all cultures across the planet. We greatly value the contributions of our members throughout the world, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or religious background.

We foster the principal that all who undertake research in this field can meet in an inclusive atmosphere of scientific excellence and education at any of our conferences, whether held in North America or elsewhere.